Hello, my friends! I have returned!
Whew, man I'm glad to be back home amongst my readers. The trip went well, especially the drive; considering it's an 8-9 hour drive one way. But, lots of coffee and redbull kept me going. The get together was fun; until 'that one friend' arrived and started to make things 'interesting'…with 'me' being 'that one friend'. Lmao. It was all fun and games and no one got arrested…or worse.
But enough about me, let's get on to the reviews so you fellas can get to the chapter; seeing as how I made you wait an extra day for it.
xXSpades231Xx: Bro, it seems you need to get better acquainted with the art of 'tactical research'. Lol. And just so you know, and for everyone as well, that this is not a pretty story. If FanFiction would allow it, I would have added 'angst' to the genre. But, it is what it is. Now for your questions.
1: I really have no idea man, lol. 2: Before death was typically movies, and afterwards, he really doesn't have one as of right now. 3: Uh uh uh…no spoilers, bro. And 4: I'm not really sure on that, but I'll put it into consideration.
ZeroSquadSephiroth: Thanks for the review my friend, and I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
So, now we're back to our former schedule, and I don't see anything else coming up in the near future. But, as always, I'll keep you all posted. But that's enough jabber from me, so let's get on to why your all really here. Happy reading.
(I DO NOT OWN BLEACH; ITS CHARACTORS, NAMES, LOCATIONS, OR STORY! THAT HONOR BELONGS SOLELY TO TITE KUBO AND HIS TEAM! ONLY THE OC, AND RANDOM NAMES NOT MENTIONED IN THE BOOKS OR ANIME ARE MY OWN!)
Chapter 6
(Painful Emotions)
Squad 7 Headquarters, Seireitei, 2 days later
It was mid-morning, and Tetsuzaemon found himself in the lower offices of the headquarters speaking with a couple of the assigned clerks about getting some signatures for some of the morning forms.
He had finished his business and was about to leave when 7th seat Minato walked in. Tetsuzaemon turned to him as he came to stand in front of him.
"Good morning, Lieutenant." he greeted, and the man nodded.
"Morning." Tetsuzaemon replied.
"Lieutenant, do have a moment? I need to discuss something with you." Minato asked, getting another nod in return.
Both men then left the office and Minato took the man out the rear doors of the headquarters. He then stopped and pointed out to the training grounds. Tetsuzaemon looked to where the man was pointing to see none other than Timothy on the grounds training.
He watched for a moment, then noticed that he was training a little too hard. Not only that, he could see, even from that far away, that the man was exhausted, and it was still mid-morning.
"He seems to be pushing himself quite hard." Tetsuzaemon commented.
They both watched for a moment longer, then saw Timothy raise his hand. A second later, the kidō that he was using exploded, throwing him back a few feet. Tetsuzaemon was about to run forward, but Minato held his arm out, stopping him.
"Wait." he instructed, and Tetsuzaemon continued to watch.
A brief moment later, Timothy got right back up, transported back to where he was and raised his arm again. A second later, he performed a Shakkahō at a kidō target and destroyed it. As soon as the target was destroyed, he continued his assaults.
"He's been doing this for two days, Lieutenant…ever since the Captain told the squad about Hetoku." Minato stated, and the man growled in annoyance.
"Has he stopped at all?" Tetsuzaemon asked as he turned to the 7th seat.
Minato shook his head. "Except to sleep and eat, no." he responded, then both men turned back to the grounds.
A few minutes passed, then they saw Timothy perform another kidō, again having it explode in his face. But like before, he simply got back up and tried again.
"That fool is going to kill himself." Tetsuzaemon stated, getting a nod from Minato.
"I agree sir. I managed to talk him into stopping the first night, but just barely. To be honest sir…" he paused, causing Tetsuzaemon to turn to him. Minato turned to him as well. "At this point, I don't think anyone can stop him. At least, not without a fight." he pointed out and Tetsuzaemon moaned.
"Does the Captain know about this?" he asked, getting a head shake in return.
"I don't think so, sir. I know the guy needs to stop, but I'm afraid if we tell the Captain, he might end up doing something worse, knowing him." Minato stated.
Tetsuzaemon turned back towards the grounds. The officer had a good point, Timothy was the type of individual that would do whatever was necessary to get done what he needed to.
But the man had to be stopped.
"I'll deal with it." Tetsuzaemon responded a moment later, then flash stepped away.
"I don't like the look of this." Minato mumbled, then followed the Lieutenant.
Down at the grounds, Timothy was short on breath as he swung three times in quick succession, then transported back to the kidō targets.
He held up two fingers. "Hadō #4, Byakurai!" he announced, and energy bolts emitted from his fingers and destroyed the target.
He transported again near the tree and swung at the air. But his sword actually hit something.
A loud clang sound emitted as Timothy's sword collided with another sword, Tetsuzaemon's sword. Timothy glared at him and the man glared back from behind his shades.
"Can I help you, Lieutenant?" Timothy asked, keeping his pose.
"Yeah, you can stop your nonsense." he flatly responded.
Timothy rose a brow. "Excuse me sir?" he half asked.
Tetsuzaemon lowered his blade, but kept his stare. "I said you can cut out this nonsense. Enough is enough." The Lieutenant responded in a serious tone.
Timothy stood straight. "Not for me it isn't…sir." Timothy remarked in nonchalant manner.
"Yes, it is. Now get your ass back to the barracks and get yourself cleaned up. And if I catch you out here doing another stunt like that again, we're gonna have a serious problem." Tetsuzaemon demanded, now angry.
"I'll leave when I am ready to leave." Timothy retorted.
"Excuse me?!" Tetsuzaemon demanded, now getting furious.
Timothy kept his serious expression as he stared back at the Lieutenant.
"In case you have forgotten, the Captain gave me permission to train how I wish, that was part of the deal for me joining. So, if you have a problem Lieutenant, take it up with the Captain." Timothy flatly pointed out in a raised voice.
Minato meanwhile stood there completely shocked. He couldn't believe that this man had the guts to talk down on the Lieutenant.
He then raised his hand slightly and took a step forward. "Fellas, lets all calm…" he started as Timothy turned to him.
"With all due respect Minato, stay out of this." Timothy warned, causing the man to stop.
Normally, he would have said something to him about his disrespect, but the look in the man's eyes told him to listen to his words.
"That is enough!" Tetsuzaemon yelled, getting Timothy's attention.
"You want a beat down? Well then I'll give it to you." Tetsuzaemon stated as he entered a combat stance.
Timothy rose a brow. "I'm not so sure you want to do that Lieutenant, I'm not as weak as I was before." he warned, causing the Lieutenant to scoff.
"If you think you're good enough to take me on, then prove it!" he bellowed.
Timothy closed his eyes and lowered his head. "Fine." he answered, then turned to Minato. "Minato, I'd stand back if I were you." Timothy warned, and the man quickly flash stepped to the edge of the field.
Timothy turned to the Lieutenant. "You better not hold back Lieutenant, cause I won't." Timothy growled, and the man nodded.
"I don't want you to hold back, show me what you've got, fool." he retorted as Timothy got into his stance as well.
They both knew that this was not going to be a normal duel, this was a serious matter.
"First to draw blood?" he half asked, and the man nodded.
"First to draw." Tetsuzaemon acknowledged.
A moment passed in silence as both men stared at each other. Then suddenly, Tetsuzaemon flash stepped, ending up behind Timothy to swing down.
Timothy expected this, and quickly rolled to the right, swinging back once he stopped on his knee.
Tetsuzaemon leaped back, but Timothy then disappeared. The Lieutenant quickly looked behind him to see Timothy was there and ready to swing.
"Don't play into your enemy's hands!" Timothy yelled as he swung.
Tetsuzaemon quickly flash stepped to the left and swung across. Timothy quickly blocked and held up his hand.
"Hadō #31, Shakkahō!" he yelled and sent a red ball of fire at the Lieutenant at point blank range.
The Lieutenant quickly swung his body to the side, keeping his sword locked with Timothy's and let the kidō pass by in front of him, just barely missing. He then turned and bought his left leg up to kick, Timothy vanishing just before he made contact.
Tetsuzaemon turned to see Timothy was now on his left side, ready to strike. He waited just a second until Timothy swung, then darted to the side and swung back.
Tetsuzaemon nicked Timothy's shihakusho in the side, but just barely missed the man's skin. Timothy responded with a quick kick towards the man's face, but Tetsuzaemon leaned back, letting the foot pass by.
Timothy quickly vanished and remained hidden. Tetsuzaemon got into a stance and waited for him to make his move.
"You gonna try to make me lose my patience too? Well, I've already lost it with you, but I'm not going to let myself become reckless." Tetsuzaemon stated as he continued to wait for his opponent.
After a minute, Tetsuzaemon flinched and quickly swung behind him and caught Timothy's sword as he tried to hit him from behind.
"Avoid blocking if you can, otherwise your opponent can plan his next move, Lieutenant." Timothy mocked, then grinned. "Too bad I've already made my plan." he added and Tetsuzaemon quickly looked down with wide eyes to see two fingers extended into his gut.
"Bakudō #9, Hōrin." Timothy commanded.
Before Tetsuzaemon could react, an orange energy vine wrapped around him and bound his arms down.
"Have a nice trip!" Timothy yelled as he flung his hand out and threw the Lieutenant away from him and towards the stands.
Tetsuzaemon landed with a crash as his body tore through the stands, stopping him. A second later, Timothy appeared right in front of him.
"Get up Lieutenant, this ain't over." he demanded with a serious stare.
Tetsuzaemon quickly shook his head and got back up, returning to a combat stance.
"You're damn right it ain't over! Is that all you got?!" he yelled back, getting a raised brow from Timothy.
"You want more? Fine with me." Timothy responded as he charged right at the Lieutenant.
Tetsuzaemon quickly held up his hand.
"Bakudō #8, Seki." he commanded.
A small, blue orb appeared in front of his hand, but did nothing else. Timothy tried to stop his swing, but not in time. His blade hit the orb and was repelled back against him, tossing him back across the grounds. He managed to land on his feet, but quickly turned to see Tetsuzaemon now behind him in a swing.
Luckily, Timothy had one of his flames nearby, so he quickly used it transport to a flame a little distance away from the Lieutenant. He looked down to see that the fabric over his right leg had a rip through it, telling him that Tetsuzaemon had almost got him.
"Come on, quit playing games." Tetsuzaemon demanded, getting Timothy's attention. "You're obviously stronger than before, but you're still holding back. Quit playing around and take this fight seriously." he followed, getting a growl from Timothy.
"Fine…as you wish." he replied, then held up his fingers.
"Hadō #4…" he started, but before he could finish, Tetsuzaemon flash stepped behind him, sword high.
Timothy simply glanced behind him and Tetsuzaemon flinched when he saw Timothy's 'other' hand pointing right at him.
"Byakurai!" Timothy finished as a blue energy bolt lit on his fingers.
'Damn, I fell for it!' Tetsuzaemon mentally berated.
Tetsuzaemon knew he couldn't dodge in time. But lucky for him, this was one of Timothy's bad 'occasions'. His kidō immediately exploded in his face, tossing both of them back.
Tetsuzaemon landed on his feet, unscathed. But Timothy took the whole force of it and got thrown back. He landed on his back and slid across the field a few feet.
"Huh…looks like you need to learn to control your kidō better, fool!" he yelled as Timothy began to get to his feet.
"Ha! You missed an easy opportunity to draw first blood, that makes you the fool, Lieutenant." Timothy retorted as he got to his feet.
Tetsuzaemon scoffed back at him. "I thought you said you weren't going to hold back…so what's keeping you?" he taunted.
"Nothing…I was just waiting for that explosion to happen." Timothy calmly responded to the taunt.
Tetsuzaemon gave him a serious look. "What are you blabbing about?" he demanded.
"I've been paying close attention to when my kidōs tend to explode on me. After a while, I've determined that they seem to explode on me every four to six times that I use one, regardless of the power. So, I'm guessing that after it happens, my concentration on casting them gets higher." Timothy explained.
"What do you mean?" Tetsuzaemon asked, now puzzled.
Timothy grinned. "This is what I mean." he returned, then raised his palm up. "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast." he started and Tetsuzaemon widen his eyes in shock.
"You fool! You'll kill yourself!" he yelled, then flash stepped over to Timothy to cut him off.
As he did, Timothy quickly vanished and re-appeared a few feet away behind him. "Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring." Timothy continued.
Tetsuzaemon quickly flash stepped again to him and swung, but he quickly transported over to his right.
"Move and become the wind…"
Tetsuzaemon stepped and attacked again, trying to stop him. But Timothy again transported just out of reach, now behind him again.
"…stop and become the calm."
Again, Tetsuzaemon stepped to him, but he kept moving away at the last second. And he couldn't predict Timothy's movements because his teleporting was too fast for him to track.
"The sound of warring spears…" Timothy continued on the man's right.
Tetsuzaemon was now getting desperate. Not because he was afraid of getting hit, but because if that kidō exploded on Timothy with a full incantation, he would most certainly be killed.
"…fills the empty castle." Timothy finished.
'I have no choice!' Tetsuzaemon quickly thought as he held is palm out.
"Bakudō #63, Sajō…" Tetsuzaemon started, but too late.
Timothy was now suddenly behind him, palm up.
"Hadō #63, Raikōhō!" he yelled.
A bright, yellow ball of electricity quickly built up in Timothy's palm, then shot out at the Lieutenant. He quickly turned with wide eyes, knowing there was nothing he could do.
But suddenly, a large being flash stepped in front of him.
"Bakudō #81, Dankū." the being spoke.
Immediately, a large, transparent barrier appeared and Timothy's kidō collided with it, causing it to split and erupting out to the sides, kicking up dust. Everything froze as Timothy waited for the dust to settle, but once it finally did, he was shocked at what he saw.
Sajin Komamura standing in front on the Lieutenant with a barrier in front of him. After a moment, the barrier began cracking, then shattered as it's effects wore away.
Both Sajin and Timothy stared at each other; Timothy with a look of shock, and Sajin with a look of anger.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded in a low, but disappointed tone.
Tetsuzaemon waked up to the Captain, causing him to turn to him.
"Captain, I was showing Timothy here what it means to…" he started, but was interrupted.
"Lieutenant…" Timothy began, causing both men to turn to him.
Timothy then turned to Sajin. "I disrespected the Lieutenant when he tried to stop my training. It elevated from there and we ended up fighting, sir. I have no excuse for it." Timothy flatly elaborated.
Sajin turned to Tetsuzaemon, who nodded in agreement, then turned back to Timothy.
"I see. So, tell me this, when did you come to believe that it was a good idea to use a 60s level kidō, with a full incantation, against a fellow squad member, even in a fight such as this?" Sajin demanded.
"He told me not to hold back, so I didn't. As I said, I have no excuse. If you're going to punish, or reprimand me, just do it Captain." Timothy ordered.
Tetsuzaemon was about to berate him, but Sajin predicted this and held his arm out.
"I see. Normally, I would do so. But fortunately for you, you are technically not at fault here." Sajin stated, getting a confused look in return.
"What do you mean, Captain?" Timothy inquired.
"Lieutenant Iba had instructed you to not hold back, and obviously, you didn't. So technically, you were following orders. But keep this in mind, Timothy Durn, do not do something like that again." Sajin instructed as he lowered his arm down from in front of Tetsuzaemon.
Timothy bowed.
"Thank you, sir. Might I ask a question?" Timothy added.
"What is it?" Sajin responded as Timothy raised himself.
"With all due respect sir, could you stop your act now?" Timothy asked, getting raised brows from him and the Lieutenant.
"What do you mean?" Sajin asked in return.
Timothy gestured to the small forest behind him.
"You were hiding in those woods long before I attacked the Lieutenant with that kidō. Again, with respect sir, if you think I didn't notice you, you're a fool." he flatly stated.
Sajin widened his eyes in surprise, then turned to the woods.
"And how did you know? I concealed my spirit energy, so you shouldn't have been able to detect me." he asked, and Timothy pointed at Tetsuzaemon.
"I have him to thank for it. He taught me to always move or act in a way the enemy wouldn't predict. So ever since then I've always had one of my flames hidden in the woods as a quick getaway. After he dodged my kidō, I relocated to the woods to hide and plan my next move. That's when I saw you." Timothy cleared and Tetsuzaemon scoffed.
"Hmph. So that's where you were hiding huh?" he retorted, and Timothy grinned.
"While you were worried about where I would show up, I was planning my next move. Did you honestly think that I was only training my body, Lieutenant? This whole time, I was training my mind as well." Timothy shot back, getting a chuckle from Sajin.
"Well done Timothy." Sajin offered.
"One question though sir." Timothy responded, getting a nod back.
"If using a 60s level kidō in a squad fight is not allowed, why did you not stop me? Surely you should have known I was doing it because it took a while to get that incantation out. So why?" Timothy asked, causing Tetsuzaemon to turn to Sajin, interested in the answer as well.
"Very perceptive. Indeed, I did know what you were going to do, but as I said, Tetsuzaemon instructed you to not hold back, so I didn't interfere." he answered in a calm tone.
"Don't give me that crap, Captain. I'm not stupid. If using a 60s level kidō is so dangerous to use in a squad fight, especially with a full incantation, you would have jumped in, regardless of what your Lieutenant said. Now quit playing hooky with the truth." Timothy demanded.
'This man is more perceptive and intelligent than I thought…' Sajin inwardly concluded.
"Very well…the truth of the matter is that I'm impressed with your abilities. Although your core skills still need work, your overall combat abilities are impressive." Sajin admitted, then glanced to Tetsuzaemon.
"You managed to best my Lieutenant, much to his dismay." he added, causing Tetsuzaemon to slightly lower his head in shame.
"Forgive me Captain." he pleaded in a low tone.
"There's nothing to forgive, Tetsuzaemon. It's quite simple, your skills are easily far more advanced than his, but the truth of the matter is that they are simply no match for his 'style' of fighting." Sajin reassured, causing him to feel a bit better.
"Yes sir." he responded, then turned to Timothy.
"Even I have to admit, I simply cannot fight you using my traditional method of fighting." Tetsuzaemon reluctantly agreed as Sajin turned to Timothy.
"So, with all things considered; even though you tend to overdo things, and you have only been here for a little over a week, I am still considering assigning you as my new 5th seat." Sajin stated, getting shocked looks from Timothy and Tetsuzaemon.
"There is no way you can be serious right now, Captain. How about you stop playing games." Timothy responded in shock, surprisingly earning a nod from Tetsuzaemon.
"I am not playing any 'games', Timothy Durn. You managed to beat my Lieutenant, a former member of Squad 11, the most well-known fighting squad in the soul society. That means you can fight at a Lieutenant's level and be able to hold that position. So, placing you as my 5th seat would actually be considered an 'under-placement'." Sajin cleared.
Timothy thought it over for a moment, trying to determine if it was a trick. But the look that Sajin was giving had told him otherwise.
"And what if I decide to refuse?" Timothy inquired, surprising Sajin.
"Then that is your choice, but not one I think you'll make." he returned, causing Timothy to scoff.
"You think you know me?" Timothy asked sarcastically, getting a nod back.
"I know the type of person you are. I know you care deeply for others, but you try to hide it. I can also see that you are fighting for something important to you, and you intend to not let anything get in your way." the Captain pointed out.
Timothy slightly flinched, then lowered his head.
"What do you know about it? You have no idea what I've been through." Timothy retorted.
Sajin gave a sigh, walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I may not know what you have been through, but I do know the pain you feel. I also know that suppressing that pain will only make it worse." Sajin tried to comfort, but got a scoff instead.
"If you say so, Captain." he returned.
Sajin was about to say something further, but stopped when he noticed someone walking up to them. He turned to the man and inwardly moaned when he saw Captain Zaraki approaching.
'Why did he have to choose now to show up?' he complained mentally, then turned to the man.
"Captain Zaraki, what brings you here?" Sajin asked in an annoyed and slightly angry tone.
The man looked at him with a serious expression.
"I'm looking for someone, someone that one of your boys brought back here from Rukongai." he flatly answered, causing Sajin to slightly fret.
As soon as Kenpachi said that, Sajin knew immediately who he was looking for, and the man was standing right next to him.
"Might I ask your reason?" Sajin returned, though he already had an idea as to why.
"I'm looking for the guy who gave my boys a good beating. He seems to be strong, so I thought I'd see it for myself." he flatly answered.
As he did, the gears in Timothy's head clicked, and he quickly turned to the man.
"Can I ask your name, Captain?" Timothy asked in a serious tone, causing the man to glance at him.
"I'm the Captain of Squad 11, Kenpachi Zaraki. So, who the hell are you?" he returned in a similar tone.
Sajin decided that now was the time to step in before something happened. He turned back to Zaraki, and was about to speak, but Timothy acted first.
"Timothy Durn, the one that put a 'beating' on your 'boys'." Timothy answered with an angry tone, causing the man to grin.
"Is that right?" he asked, getting a nod in return.
"It is. So, tell me, what are you gonna do, Captain?" Timothy slightly taunted, causing the man to grin even more.
"You've got guts, I like that. Maybe you'll give me a good fight." Zaraki pointed out, getting a scoff back.
Sajin turned back to Timothy to see he had an angry look on his face, and he began to worry.
"What makes you think I'd fight a pathetic excuse for a Captain like you?" Timothy returned in a growl.
Zaraki rose a brow in surprise, not expecting someone like him to talk down upon a Captain, especially him. Sajin quickly interjected.
"That is enough." he stated as he stepped between them.
"I don't think so Sajin, I want to hear what this guy has to say." Zaraki demanded, and Timothy took a step to the side, so he could see Zaraki past Sajin.
"You want to hear what I have to say? Fine. I think you're nothing more than a gang leader." Timothy accused, causing Zaraki to raise a brow in surprise.
"Your men have constantly terrorized my home in Rukongai. We looked up to you soul reapers for help, for protection from the criminals. And yet, it turned out that your men were worse than the criminals. What kind of a Captain are you that allows such nonsense?" Timothy finished.
Sajin and Tetsuzaemon both stared at Timothy with complete shock as Timothy stared down Zaraki with a look of hatred. Tetsuzaemon walked over and set a hand on the man's shoulder.
"Easy there, you better calm down and watch yourself." he warned, getting Timothy's attention.
"Unless you want to go another round, stay out of it." Timothy seethed in anger.
The three men could clearly see in his eyes that he meant exactly what he said. But the look in his eyes also caused Zaraki to 'smile'.
"I like the look in your eyes! If you're so angry with me, then go ahead and take it out on me." Zaraki taunted, getting Timothy's attention back.
"Be careful what you ask for, you oversized brute." Timothy growled through his teeth.
Sajin had had enough, he needed to stop this before another fight broke out, one that would result in Timothy's death. Timothy may have had a good fighting strategy that was hard to counter, but fighting strategies meant nothing when pitted against Zaraki.
Sajin stepped back between the two men and turned to Zaraki.
"Captain Zaraki, if you have no business to discuss, then I must ask you to leave." Sajin half commanded.
Zaraki's grin disappeared as he turned to him.
"Tsk…whatever." he answered, then turned back to Timothy. "If you feel like settling your grudges against me, you'll know where to find me." he stated, then turned and began walking away.
As he turned, his pink haired Lieutenant hopped onto his shoulder and waved.
"Bye Koma-Koma, Shades, and Zippy! Come and visit us soon, okay?!" she yelled and Sajin nodded, but Timothy rose a brow.
"Zippy?" he deadpanned.
Sajin continued to watch Zaraki as he walked across the field towards the headquarters. Timothy returned from his confusion and turned to him.
"Captain Komamura." he called, and he turned to him. "Tell me…how did a man like him ever manage to become a Captain?" Timothy asked.
Sajin turned to him fully and sighed.
"He became a Captain through a method that none of us are proud of." he answered, and timothy rose a brow.
"Method?" Timothy half asked, confused even more.
Sajin sighed again. "I see you have not gotten the far in the book on the laws. There are three methods to become a Captain. The most common method is to take the proficiency test. The member must have achieved Bankai, and the test is given by three Captains, including the Head Captain." Sajin was stopped by Timothy holding up a hand.
"What's a Bankai?" he asked.
"Remember our fight when I used Tenken against you?" Sajin asked in return, getting a nod.
"That was my Shikai, my zanpakutō's first release. Most everyone has achieved this release. But for those that train hard and long enough, they may possibly gain their zanpakutō's second release, called a Bankai. It's immensely powerful, but depending on the user, can be very hard to control." Sajin answered, getting a nod to continue.
"The second method, although not used as much, is to be recommended for the position by six Captains. In addition, the member must also be given the approval for the position by three other Captains. Only those who have truly proven to be fully capable have used this method." Sajin paused a moment and lowered his head.
"The final method…is to challenge a Captain to a duel, a fight to the death. The fight is only between the Captain and the challenging member. The duelists also have to have at least 200 members of that squad present to witness to fight. If the challenger can fight, and defeat the current Captain, he then takes his position as the new Captain. This was the method Captain Zaraki used." Sajin finished, getting a look of anger from Timothy.
"That's barbaric, true to his nature." Timothy commented as Sajin and Tetsuzaemon nodded in agreement.
"Yes, and no one approves of it, but it is the law." Sajin returned, then Timothy placed his chin in his hand in thought.
"So, any member can challenge a Captain?" he asked in directly and the two officers widened their eyes.
"Don't even think about it Durn." Tetsuzaemon warned, getting him to turn.
"Why? Is his zanpakutō release that good?" Timothy asked.
"He doesn't have a release." Tetsuzaemon responded, getting a confused look.
"Then how can he be a Captain? Isn't a release required?" Timothy asked, and Sajin sighed again.
"In his case, no. There are no requirements to challenge a Captain. But even if he does not have a release, you are no match for him." Sajin warned, now getting Timothy's full attention.
"I managed to fight you and the Lieutenant, and you used a release." Timothy pointed out.
"That does not matter. Captain Zaraki's fighting skills and endurance are something beyond comprehension. Except for the Head Captain, he is the strongest fighter in the soul society. Unfortunately, even I must admit that I cannot fight one-on-one with the man." Sajin reluctantly stated.
Timothy thought about his statement, then sighed.
"I understand. So, what happens now, Captain?" Timothy asked and Tetsuzaemon turned to him.
"Continue your training, as long as you don't kill yourself." he instructed, and Sajin looked at him.
"Also, consider my offer for the officer's position." Sajin added, getting an annoyed look back.
"I might not want the position. I've got my own problems to worry about right now." Timothy stated, getting a nod from Sajin.
"I understand. But I would still like you to consider it. Come, Tetsuzaemon. We have our own tasks to catch up on." Sajin instructed, getting a nod in return.
"Yes sir." He answered, then turned back to Timothy. "We're not done with our fight, Durn. We'll continue this another time." he warned, and Timothy snorted.
"Anytime you want your ass handed to you again, feel free to come and find me." he taunted back, causing the man to slightly growl and Sajin to chuckle.
Both officers began walking back towards the headquarters while Timothy stood there.
"Should I take it?" he asked in a low voice.
"It sounds like a good plan to me." the sword answered, getting a sigh from him.
"I'm not so sure myself. But, besides that we seem to have a new problem…a big one." he returned.
"You're talking about that gorilla Zaraki, aren't you?" it asked, getting a slight nod back. "I agree, he's definitely going to be a problem for us." the sword admitted.
"Yeah, if we end up fighting him, it's possible we may have to use your full power." Timothy stated, causing the sword to fret.
"It's too risky Tim, you know that." it warned, but Timothy sighed.
"If I fight him, we may have no choice." Timothy pointed out.
"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that. So, what are you going to do now? Train more?" the sword inquired, getting a head shake in return.
"No, I think I need to put my training on hold for a bit." he answered as he sheathed his sword and turned to the tree.
"Right now, I need to focus on getting in touch with my zanpakutō." Timothy finished as he began walking towards the tree.
"Well, good luck with that." the sword mocked, causing Timothy to growl.
"Shut up." he replied as he arrived at the tree.
Timothy drew his zanpakutō, then sat down next to the tree and set his weapon on his lap. He sat there thinking for a moment, then finally took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
Squad 7 Headquarters, Seireitei, 5 minutes later
Sajin and Tetsuzaemon entered the Captain's office and walked over to the desk, both taking their appropriate seats. Sajin poured two small cups of tea and handed one to the Lieutenant.
"I know you wish to say something Tetsuzaemon, so go ahead." Sajin instructed as he took a sip.
Tetsuzaemon placed the cup on the desk and set his hands in his lap as he sighed.
"Captain…I'm not so sure about offering Durn an officer's position." he stated as he looked back at Sajin.
Sajin had expected him to say something along those lines. He and Timothy were just two individuals whose personalities wouldn't allow them to get along.
"Might I ask what your reasoning is behind that statement?" Sajin asked, although he was sure he knew the answer.
"The truth is Captain, he and I may not see eye to eye, but that is not why I don't think he should be given the position. It's his demeaner in general." the Lieutenant stated as Sajin set his cup down.
"What exactly do you mean?" Sajin asked back, getting another sigh from the Lieutenant.
"What I mean sir, is that Durn tends to act on impulse. He acts before he stops to think about the actions." Tetsuzaemon rephrased, get a slight nod from the Captain.
"I see. That may be true, but it can also be corrected, given time and effort." Sajin offered to the man's dismay.
Tetsuzaemon didn't like the tone the Captain was using when he made the remark.
"May I ask what you intend to do about it, Captain?" the Lieutenant hesitantly inquired. Sajin rose a brow and continued to look at him as the Lieutenant's suspicions came true. "You want me help him, don't you sir?" he asked, knowing the answer.
Sajin grinned and nodded, knowing his Lieutenant was not happy with it.
"Yes. I would like for you to take him in, try to help him overcome his 'impulsiveness'. If anyone else were to help him, he would become better, but his method of acting before thinking would remain." Sajin instructed, getting a sigh from him.
"You do realize that it would likely result in further fights, right Captain?" he asked in a worried tone.
Sajin chuckled back at him.
"I don't recall you ever avoiding a fight, Tetsuzaemon." Sajin teased, getting a sigh back.
"If you two do end up fighting again, that's fine as long as neither of you kill the other. Just be sure you take it away from the Seireitei. I don't need Timothy destroying the grounds in the process." he added in a joking tone.
Tetsuzaemon slightly lowered his head and rubbed his temples.
"I have a bad feeling about this Captain." he warned, then returned to Sajin. "When would you like me to start?" he inquired in a depressed manner.
"Tomorrow. For now, let him be." Sajin instructed as he finished his cup and set it back down. "Now, let's get this paperwork finished." Sajin stated, but Tetsuzaemon slightly lowered his head. "Is there something else Tetsuzaemon?" Sajin asked with a raised brow.
The Lieutenant raised his head back to him. "If I may ask sir, what is your plan about Durn and Captain Zaraki?" Tetsuzaemon asked with a hint of worry.
Sajin set the papers down and began stroking the fur on his chin. The Lieutenant posed a good question. It was now evident that Captain Zaraki had chosen Timothy as a 'sparring' victim. If Zaraki wanted to fight him, he would find a way to do so, and Timothy had no chance against him.
"Leave that to me, Tetsuzaemon. I'll figure something out." he assured him.
Tetsuzaemon nodded then stood up to bow. There was then a knock on the office door, so Tetsuzaemon stepped aside.
"You may enter." Sajin responded.
The door opened and the 8th seat walked in a few feet before bowing.
"Please forgive the interruption sir, but a messenger from Squad 4 just reported that Hetoku and the other members' bodies can now be retrieved." the man reported.
Sajin nodded, signaling the man he may leave, then turned to the Lieutenant.
"Tetsuzaemon, please see to it that their bodies are returned here promptly." Sajin instructed in a saddened tone, getting a nod in return.
"Yes sir." Tetsuzaemon responded in a similar tone.
He then bowed, Sajin returning the gesture, then walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Sajin picked the papers back up and began sifting through the top layers.
However, he didn't get far as he heard another knock on his door. Sajin inwardly sighed as he set the papers back down on the desk.
"You may enter." he answered.
The door slowly opened, and to his surprise, Captain Hitsugaya walked in, closing the door behind him.
"Good afternoon, Captain Komamura." the short Captain greeted.
"Good afternoon, Captain Hitsugaya. What can I do for you today?" Sajin greeted back as he gestured to the seat in front of his desk.
Tōshirō walked up to the desk and sat down in front of him.
"I was hoping you could do me a favor, Captain." he started, getting a nod to continue. "I would like to send a couple of my squad members with your replacements in response to this hollow attack." he responded, causing Sajin to raise a brow in question.
"May I inquire as to why, Captain Hitsugaya?" Sajin asked, getting a serious look from the short Captain.
"This whole situation doesn't sit well with me. There's something about this matter that doesn't make sense. I would like to send a couple of my squad members to conduct their own investigation. I'll be sure they do not interfere with your squad's duties." Tōshirō reassured.
Sajin started stroking his chin in thought about the request.
"Have you inquired to the Head Captain about this?" Sajin asked in concern about the answer.
"No. As you are aware Captain, another squad may send their own members on a mission to the world of the living as long as the squad's Captain has permission from the Captain of the sector's assigned squad. So that is why I am asking you directly." he clarified.
Sajin thought about it more but didn't see a problem.
"Very well. You have my permission to send some of your squad members with mine. Considering what happened, it would be a good idea to have some assistance nearby. Please instruct your men that if they encounter this hollow to please get my mens' help." Sajin politely instructed.
"Very well Captain, I will inform them. You have my thanks." Tōshirō finished.
He was about to stand, but Sajin held up his hand to stop him.
"One more thing if you have a moment, Captain Hitsugaya." Sajin asked, getting a nod back.
"Perhaps you could give me an opinion on a rather…odd matter." Sajin struggled to find a good term.
"Very well, what is it?" Tōshirō asked.
Sajin sighed and rubbed his temples.
"I will keep it short. I've recently inducted a new member into my squad." Sajin paused, then Tōshirō nodded for him to continue.
"Barring the details, the man has managed to gain the interest of a particular, brutish Captain." Sajin paused again, getting a knowing look from Tōshirō.
"I assume you're referring to Captain Zaraki?" The short Captain asked, getting a nod back.
"The Captain was…'kind' enough to pay my squad member a visit today, looking for a fight. Fortunately, I was there to prevent the massacre." Sajin stated, getting a questioning look from Tōshirō.
"What exactly did your squad member do to 'gain his interest'?" Tōshirō asked.
"Again, I'll try to keep it short. But my squad recently assumed his squad's sectors of Rukongai. This squad member is from one of those sectors. Before he came to be here, he managed to fight off seventeen of his squad members…alone."
Sajin emphasized that last word, causing Tōshirō to raise a brow in disbelief.
"Seventeen members of squad 11? Alone?" Tōshirō asked in surprise, getting a nod back. "How did he manage to accomplish that?" he asked in amazement.
"His abilities are…interesting, to say the least. I'm not surprised he managed to defeat them with the way he did it." Sajin clarified.
"I see. No wonder he got the Captain's interest. So, what is the problem?" Tōshirō pressed.
"The problem, is that the squad member in question believes he can fight Captain Zaraki, and may try to take him up on his offer to fight." Sajin answered in an annoyed tone.
Tōshirō eyes widened. "Is this man a fool?!" he quickly asked, getting a chuckle from Sajin.
"Tetsuzaemon thinks so. He's a good man, just a bit too impulsive." Sajin remarked, getting a nod back.
"I see. Well, since you are asking for my opinion, I'd suggest keeping him in a position where he won't be able to come into contact with the Captain. It's too bad I can't do the same for me and a particular Lieutenant." Tōshirō complained and Sajin chuckled.
"Very well. Thank you for your advice, Captain Hitsugaya." Sajin stated in a bow.
Tōshirō the stood up and returned the gesture.
"Thank you for your time, Captain Komamura. I will send my selected squad members here when your team is ready to leave." he replied as he rose.
Sajin nodded in acknowledgment, then the short Captain walked to the door and left the room.
Sajin sat there for a moment thinking on Tōshirō's advice. But the problem he faced was how he was going to keep him from the Captain. He continued to ponder on the question as he returned to his papers.
Squad 7 Training Grounds, Seireitei, 4 hours later
The sun was starting to disappear on the horizon, yet Timothy still remained sitting next to the tree, constantly reaching out to the spirit of his zanpakutō.
But doing so was proving to be difficult, due to the anger he felt after his confrontation with the Squad 11 Captain. He only met the man once, and he already despised him. Many years of pointless suffering for himself and others, all because the man neglected to do his job as a Captain.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't the man's face out of his mind, and it kept on distracting him. He took another deep breath as he tried again to clear his mind of the matter and call out to his zanpakutō, but he still couldn't shake his thoughts away.
A voice deep down inside him kept telling him to just give up, to stop fighting. But he also knew deep down that it was not possible.
He tried taking another deep breath, but held it for a moment before very slowly letting it back out.
And this time, he thought that he suddenly felt something. Something…odd. It felt like something had tried to 'pull' on him from inside. But as briefly as it came, it just as briefly subsided. Timothy then took another deep breath, again holding it before slowly exhaling.
As the last bit of air left his lungs, he suddenly felt the sensation again, but a little more pronounced than last time. But it again quickly disappeared. Timothy knew that there was something happening, but he couldn't quite place what it was.
Once again, he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. But this time, his body suddenly felt much lighter, almost as if he was floating. He wasn't sure what was happening, but he didn't get the chance to think about it because his mind suddenly seemed like it was being pulled from him as his thoughts evaporated.
Timothy slowly opened his eyes, and very much to his surprise, he found himself standing in a large field.
His eyes widened as he quickly looked around at the environment around him. Multiple thoughts and worries started to fill his head as he tried to figure out what had just happened.
'Where am I…and what is this place?' he thought as he turned this way and that, trying to understand what was going on.
It was then that he noticed that it was pouring down raining. But to his surprise, he wasn't getting wet. He looked at his body all over and found that he was still completely dry.
'Okay…that's weird.' he mentally stated as he turned back to the field.
Upon closer observation, he found that the field was completely barren, desolate, and overrun with weeds, as well as flooding in some spots. But what caught his eye the most about the field was the fact that they were on fire, and in the heavy rain as well.
He turned a little to see that there were also buildings around him. Some small, some large, but he also saw what appeared to be some sort of cathedral.
Every one of them in ruins. All of the roofs were caved in, most of the walls torn down, and the top of the cathedral was completely torn off and laying on the ground in front of it.
As he looked closer at the top of the cathedral, he noticed that it was squared and had a clock face on each side of it, each one broken and in multiple pieces. The ruins all appeared to be many years old, and were steadily falling apart as he stood there.
The area he was standing in looked like a ransacked medieval village, and it was starting to give him the chills. Just by simply standing there he could feel the despair that the place was emanating.
"You are…persistent." a cold, and slow voice suddenly spoke.
The voice startled Timothy and he quickly turned around. His eye then fell upon a solemn figure sitting on the ground in front of the cathedral.
The figure was sitting on its leg with the other foot planted on the ground, one arm laying on top of its knee, while the other laying in its lap.
As Timothy looked a bit closer, he saw the figure was a man. The man was wearing red, tattered clothes, boots, and gloves that completely concealed his entire body. He was also wearing what looked to be a red sash that covered the top of his head, his neck, mouth, and ran over his left eye, leaving only his right eye visible.
It was then that Timothy noticed that the man had a small pair of black horns on the sides of his head, slightly pointing down. He also noticed that the man's eye was yellow with a slit iris.
The man's overall appearance reminded Timothy of a demon. As the man stared at him, he began to feel a bit fearful, but swallowed and took a chance at a question.
"A…are you my…zanpakutō?" Timothy hesitantly asked.
The man didn't answer him, he simply continued to sit in his spot and stare at Timothy. He fretted for a moment, then tried another question.
"What is your name?" he asked.
But again, the man didn't answer him, maintaining his gloomy stare. The man's silence was starting to affect Timothy more.
"Are you not going to answer me?" he pressed.
Silence followed for a moment, but after that time, the man finally spoke.
"Why should…I bother?" it replied in its slow and depressed tone.
The question slightly confused Timothy as he tilted his head a bit.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Silence followed for a moment before the man replied.
"I could call…out to you…endlessly…and yet still…you would never…be able to…hear my name." the man answered in a very slightly higher tone.
This remarked only served to confuse Timothy more as he slightly shook his head.
"I don't understand." Timothy responded.
Again, a moment of silence passed before the man answered.
"How could…you possibly…hear my name…when your heart…and soul is…filled…with such…raging emotions?" the man pointed out, adding to Timothy cluelessness.
"What are you talking about?" Timothy asked, starting to get a little annoyed with the man.
"I am speaking…of the emotions…that you have…kept locked…within yourself." he clarified.
Timothy's patience was starting to grow thin, but he managed to keep calm for the moment.
"I still don't understand what you're talking about. Can you explain it?" Timothy asked.
As he asked the man, he saw the one exposed eye slightly narrow as the man focused more on him.
"Despair...hatred…anger…these emotions…have filled…your heart…and tainted…your soul." the man added.
Timothy rose a brow at him. "What are you talking about?" Timothy asked in elevated tone.
"You feel despair…for the ones…that you…have lost." The man began, causing Timothy to flinch.
"You feel hatred…for those…who have…taken them…from you…" the man continued, causing Timothy to ball his fists as the image of Aizen come to his mind.
"And you…feel anger…anger…towards yourself…for what…you have deemed…to be…your failure…to protect them." the man finished.
Timothy lowered his head and bared his teeth in anger at the man's words.
"How do you know all that?! How long have you known?!" Timothy growled.
"I have…always known…Your wife…" he started, causing Timothy to quickly look at him with wide eyes.
"…your friend…Hetoku…" he added, now causing Timothy to growl in anger.
"What do you know?! How could you possibly know what it feels like?!" Timothy yelled back at the man, tears starting to form in his eyes.
The man narrowed his gaze further.
"I know exactly…what it…feels like." the man returned, then spread his arms out wide. "Look at…this place…my world…my home…in ruins." the man continued, his voice never changing. "This world…is affected…by the state…of your soul…" the man added, then pointed at Timothy with a now serious glare. "…and your soul…destroyed it." he finished in an angry tone.
The man's voice startled Timothy a bit, just with the slight hint of evil behind it.
"My soul did this? And how is that possible?" Timothy demanded.
The man then lowered his hand and set it back in his lap.
"The fields…they were…once golden…waving…with the breath…of the wind…now turned into…a desolate wasteland...by the…furious flames…of your anger." the man stated as he pointed to them with his other hand.
"The buildings…that were…once immaculate…and beautiful…have crumbled…from the frailty…of your soul…caused by…your hatred." he continued, now pointing at the cathedral behind him.
"And the sun…that once…blessed this place…with its…warm touch…is now covered…with the…torrential rain…that the sorrows…of your despair…has brought." he finished as he pointed to the sky.
He then spread his arms out wide again.
"This…entire world…was brought…to ruin…because of you!" he added in an angry tone as he pointed at Timothy.
Timothy slightly gasped as the man's words began to seep into his mind. He then gritted his teeth and lowered his head in shame. Both men remained unmoving as the endless rain beat upon both of them.
'I…I caused this? My pain…did this?' Timothy began to dread.
He continued to stand there, head down as time passed. Finally, he wiped away his tears and turned back to the man.
"What do I need to do to fix this?" he solemnly asked.
The man stared at him for a moment, then finally stood up. The man was just a little taller than Timothy, and very slender. Timothy could now see the man's long, knee length, red hair, tied into a single braid.
"Let go…of the…pitiful feeling…within your heart…accept what…has happened…and learn…to let go…only then…can this world…ever recover…Only then…will you hear…my name." the man instructed.
He then turned away from Timothy for a moment, then glanced back to him.
"Farewell…Timothy." the man finished.
As soon as the man finished, the whole world turned white as everything disappeared, then suddenly went black.
Timothy slowly opened his eyes as he came back into consciousness. He remained unmoving for a moment as he blinked repeatedly as clear his vision. After a brief moment, he looked up to see that in was now evening. The sun had gone down a while ago, but there was still a hint of light on the horizon.
Timothy took his face in his hands and started rubbing his face awake.
"Tim...are you ok?" his sword quickly asked in a worried tone.
"Uh…yeah…I'm fine." he responded in a confused tine.
"I've been calling to you for an hour now, but you wouldn't respond. Are you sure you're alright?" it asked again, getting a nod back.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just…I finally managed to speak with my zanpakutō." Timothy sadly responded.
"You did? Well…what did it say?" the sword asked, causing Timothy to sigh.
"That I have destroyed myself." he mumbled under his breath as he returned his zanpakutō.
"What do you mean Tim?" it asked confused.
"I'll tell you another time. But right now, I have a lot on my mind." Timothy answered as he got to his feet, his legs slightly cramped.
He stood there for a few minutes to let the blood return to his legs, then shook the cramps out. Once he finished, he turned towards the barracks and began a slow and thoughtful walk back.
Everything that the spirit had told him had shaken him and he began to hate himself for all the torturing he had been doing to himself all this time. It was then that he mentally decided that he needed to get some help, to ask someone to help him get over all of the emotions that plagued him.
Fortunately, he happened to know someone that should be able to help. And thankfully, tomorrow was a rest day, so he knew that person would be around. But, he was going to have to do something drastic, something that would put him, and his mission at a great risk.
As he got close to the barracks, he let out a sigh.
"There's something I have to do…I and know for a fact…you will not like it." he mumbled as he looked at his sword.
Squad 7 Headquarters, Seireitei, The next morning
Sajin and Tetsuzaemon were both sitting in the Captain's office enjoying some tea and discussing paperwork matters.
They then both heard a knock on the door, and Tetsuzaemon scooted a little to the side.
"You may enter." Sajin announced.
Outside, Timothy stood for a second as he gathered his wits for what he was about to do. He took a deep breath, then opened the door and walked in. He closed the door behind him, turned to Sajin, then bowed.
"Please forgive my intrusion sir. May I have a moment of your time?" Timothy politely asked, getting a surprised look from the Lieutenant.
"Of course. Please, come and have a seat." Sajin instructed.
Timothy raised himself and began walking towards the man's desk. Once he was there he sat down and slightly lowered his head.
"Tim? What's wrong?" Sajin asked, now getting worried.
It was unlike Timothy to act like this, so fearful thoughts began to come to both of the officers' minds.
Timothy again bowed.
"Captain, I wish to apologize to you both for the blatant disrespect that I have constantly shown you. You both have done so much for me, yet I have been ungrateful. Please forgive me." Timothy pleaded in a low and solemn tone.
Both officers looked at each other confused, then back to him.
"I understand Tim. Your apology is accepted, from both of us." Sajin returned.
Timothy raised himself, but kept his head low. Sajin rose a brow as Tetsuzaemon scooted closer to Timothy.
"Hey, what's the problem here?" he asked in his usual gruff tone.
Timothy took a breath, then turned to the Captain.
"I managed to speak with my zanpakutō's spirit yesterday." Timothy informed, getting surprised looks from both men.
"I see. But judging by the look on your face, I am going to assume that it didn't end well." Sajin observed, and Timothy nodded.
"It's a long story Captain, but before I begin…" Timothy paused for a moment.
Sajin again rose a brow, and Timothy's sword stirred.
"Tim…are you sure about this? You know there's no turning back." it quickly stated.
"I'm sure." Timothy replied, then turned back to Sajin.
"Before I begin…there is…someone you should meet." Timothy hesitantly finished, getting a nod back.
"Very well. And where is this person?" he asked.
Timothy took a deep breath, then slowly pulled his sword from his sash and set it on the table in front of him.
"Right here." he answered in a sad tone.
Sajin and Tetsuzaemon looked at each other again with puzzled stares, then back to him.
"What do you mean?" Tetsuzaemon asked, and Timothy took another breath.
"Go ahead…introduce yourself." he instructed.
A moment of silence fell on them, but it was broken by a feminine voice.
"Good morning, Captain." the sword spoke out loud for the first time in years.
Both officers froze, eyes wide in shock.
"Perhaps I am losing my mind…but tell me I didn't just hear that zanpakutō talk out loud…" Tetsuzaemon pleaded in a confused tone.
"Well, from everything I have seen so far, you are crazy; and yes, you did hear me." the sword retorted.
Normally, Tetsuzaemon would have said something about the insult, but he was simply too shocked to even care.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sajin demanded to Timothy.
Timothy scratched his head for a moment.
"It's…a long story sir. But…it has to do with a common enemy." Timothy started, getting an angry look from Sajin.
"Let me guess, Aizen!" he seethed, and Timothy nodded.
"Before I begin, perhaps my sword should finish her introduction." Timothy insisted, knowing that there was no turning back now.
Sajin growled, then looked down at the sword. "Go ahead." he instructed.
"Thank you, sir. You know me as Moeru Kitsune…but that is a false name. My real name…is Susan." she finished, and Timothy lowered his head.
"My wife." He added, causing both officers to quickly turn to him in absolute shock.
"Say that again?!" Tetsuzaemon demanded, getting no reaction from Timothy.
"I'm his wife…or at least…the soul of his wife." Susan answered, causing both men to turn to her.
"The soul?" Sajin asked, and Timothy nodded.
"It's Aizen's doing sir…he did something to her and sealed her in that sword." Timothy solemnly answered.
Sajin closed his eyes and lowered his head in sorrow. Tetsuzaemon then started rubbing the back of his head, trying to comprehend everything he was seeing and hearing.
"Would you…care to meet her?" Timothy asked in sorrow.
Sajin raised his head back to him, even more puzzled.
"What do you mean?" he asked, and Timothy sighed.
"Exactly as I said, Captain. Would you like to meet her?" Timothy asked again.
Both officers looked at each other a moment, then turned back.
"Please." Sajin responded, and Timothy nodded.
He raised his hand and set it and the hilt of the sword as tears came to his eyes.
"Release." Timothy sadly commanded.
The sword then burst into flames and papers began scattering around the room. A moment later, the flames lifted off the sword and hovered over next to Timothy and began to take shape.
The two officers stared dumbfounded at what was happening right in front of them, mentally trying to believe what they were seeing. A moment later, the flames began to subside and disappear. The officers' jaws dropped as they look at what was standing in front of them.
Where the flames once were, now stood a five-foot, seven-inch-tall, anthropomorphic red fox wearing a red kimono. The being was completely surrounded by calm, dancing blue flames around its body. After a moment, the being then lowered itself in a bow.
"I am Susan, Captain. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." she greeted, then Sajin slightly recovered from his shock.
"It's…a pleasure for me as well." he slightly stuttered.
Tetsuzaemon then got up and began walking towards her, but she quickly backed up and Timothy turned to him.
"Don't touch her." he warned, causing the man to turn to him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, and Timothy turned back, head down.
"Her entire body is cover in what we call 'Fox Fire'. Anyone who touches her immediately catches fire. For some reason, only I can touch her." Timothy clarified.
Tetsuzaemon turned to her for a moment, then nodded.
"Fine." he responded and returned to his seat.
Susan walked back over to Timothy and sat down next to him, placing her hand on his shoulder to prove his point. Both officers watched as the flames danced on his shoulder, but did not affect him, nor his clothes. Sajin then turned back to Timothy.
"Tetsuzaemon, please stand outside and do not let anyone in." Sajin instructed, and the man nodded.
Tetsuzaemon then got up, took one last look at Susan, then walked to the door and left the room. Sajin let out a sigh and started rubbing his temples.
"Now, start explaining Tim." Sajin ordered, and he nodded.
"Yes sir. It happened a few days after Susan and I both died, back in the living world. It was him and two others, but I can't remember their names." Timothy stated, and Sajin flinched.
"Would one of them happen to be Kaname Tōsen?" he asked, and the couple turned to him.
"Yes, that was it sir. So, I assume he was one of the defecting Captains?" Timothy inquired, getting a solemn nod from Sajin.
"I see. Anyway, the two of us were walking down the street back in our old city. The three of them then suddenly appeared behind us. We were both shocked that the men could see us, us being dead and all." Timothy paused for a second and Sajin nodded to continue.
"Well, Aizen started talking about…an experiment or something, saying that we would be good subjects." Timothy stated and Sajin slightly growled.
"Go on." he instructed in an angry tone.
"Well, we both started running, and we ran for a good while. But, they still managed to find us somehow. We tried to run again, but the man with a blindfold blocked our path." Timothy continued more.
"Kaname." Sajin growled, then nodded for him to continue.
"We both suddenly saw a flash of light, then my body locked up and I fell to the ground. Aizen then walked up to Susan and pulled out some kind of…rock thing." Timothy stopped when Sajin's eyes went wide.
"The Hōgyoku!" he said in surprise, getting and odd look from the couple.
"The what?" Susan asked, and Sajin lowered his head.
"I'll explain another time, but for now please continue." Sajin requested, getting a nod back.
"Anyway, I saw the…Hōgyoku…start to glow, then…" he paused and lowered his head.
Susan placed a hand on his shoulder then turned to Sajin.
"My body suddenly burst into flames, but I wasn't burning. I then felt an unbearable pain and dropped to my knees. A few minutes later, everything went dark." she finished, and Timothy rose his head.
"I saw her body evaporate and turn into a small flame on the ground. The third man then handed Aizen a sword and Aizen held it out to the flame. He then chanted something, and the flame got absorbed by the sword." Timothy added, and Sajin lowed his head in sadness.
"After that, Aizen sheathed the sword, then tossed it onto the ground next to me. The blindfolded man then walked over, drew his sword, and hit my head with the bottom of the hilt. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the woods in Fallen Tree." Timothy finished, and Sajin sighed.
"He performed what is called a konsō on you. It is how soul reapers send souls that are still in the living world to the soul society. After the konsō is performed, the soul will wake up in the soul society. That is how you came to wake up in the forest in Rukongai." Sajin educated, getting a nod of understanding from the pair.
The whole room went silent as Sajin tried to comprehend what he had just heard. But a moment later the silence was broken by Susan.
"Tim, I really should return." she stated, and Timothy lowed his head.
"Return?" Sajin inquired, and Susan nodded.
"It's impossible for me to stay like this indefinitely. Being released slowly takes up my energy, and if Timothy doesn't reseal me, my soul will fade away." she answered, and Sajin turned to see tears in Timothy's eyes.
"I should never have done this." Timothy stated in a low tone.
The pair slowly got up as Timothy grabbed the sword off the desk. He drew the sword from its scabbard and held it out in front of her.
"Breaths of wind sweeping the plains. Calm waters flowing smooth."
Sajin's eyes went wide as Timothy began an incantation for a high-level seal.
"Life of the sun during the day. Light of the moon during the night. All come together, creating harmony. Tengoku shīru." Timothy chanted.
The flames on Susan's body began to dance violently as she slowly lost her shape. Soon after, the flames started to seep into the sword, eventually disappearing.
Timothy lowered the sword to his side and sheathed it before slowly walking back to the desk and sitting down. He set the sword back on the table and lowered his head.
"You and the Lieutenant are the first ones to ever see her form…and I would like to ask that you keep it that way, Captain." Timothy pleaded, and Sajin sighed.
"As far as I'm concerned, the only thing I saw was a man telling a sorrowful story of his past, nothing more." Sajin reassured, and Timothy bowed.
"Thank you, Captain." he answered, then rose.
Sajin let out a depressed sign as he turned around and poured Timothy some tea. He turned back, gave the cup to the man and crossed his arms in thought.
Both men sat in total silence; Timothy trying to recover from what he had done, and Sajin trying to comprehend everything he had seen.
After a few more moments, the Captain took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Timothy." Sajin started, causing the man to look up to him. Sajin took another deep breath, then opened his eyes to him. "I am going to be blunt with you." the Captain warned, getting an understanding nod. "This is a very delicate situation. Since you have read at least half of the book on our laws, you must have seen the laws regarding dangerous weapons that have not been sanctioned, correct?" Sajin asked, causing Timothy to lower his head again, but nod.
"This swor…I mean Susan, could possibly be considered a dangerous weapon. Although what happened was no fault of yourself, or Susan, the law does not take that into consideration. I am sure you are aware of what the repercussions for breaking those laws are, correct?" Sajin asked, getting another nod.
"I understand sir. If it comes down to it, I will leave the squad. That way, you cannot be held at fault for it." Timothy stated, getting a sigh from Sajin.
"That will not be necessary." Sajin replied, causing Timothy to look to him.
"What do you mean sir?" he asked.
"You are a good man, with a troubled past. You, and your wife, have both become victims in an evil man's disgusting experiments. I cannot allow you to be held responsible, nor feel responsible for that man's actions. If your secret is discovered by the Head Captain, I will gladly defend your case." Sajin reassured.
Timothy lowered his head and Sajin could see a single tear fall from his face.
"Captain…" Susan spoke, getting the man's attention.
"Yes?" he answered.
"If our secret is discovered, why defend us? I may not know your laws, but common sense tells me that if you were to defend Timothy, your position as Captain, even your life could be at risk. So why?" she asked in a saddened voice.
Sajin closed his eyes in thought as he prepared to answer her question.
"You saw my appearance for yourself, didn't you?" Sajin asked.
"Yes, I did." she replied, getting a nod back.
"Before I became a soul reaper, as I am sure you can imagine, I was constantly scrutinized and judged to be a monster, a freak. I spent most of my life avoiding others because of my appearance. But one day, a stranger found me, and took no heed to my appearance. It was because of that man I joined the academy as a soul reaper. Even the Head Captain, when he saw my face, did not judge me. Both of them viewed me as an equal. Do you want to know the name of the man that found me?" Sajin asked, causing Timothy to look up.
Sajin closed his eyes. "Kaname Tōsen."
Susan slightly gasped and Timothy's eyes widened.
"Wait…you mean the same man that…" Timothy paused, and Sajin nodded.
"The truth is, I feel guilty for what has happened to you two. The same man that viewed me as a being and not a monster, is the same being that caused you great pain and suffering. It is because of this I feel obligated to help you by keeping your secret." Sajin assured, causing Timothy to sigh.
"Now, I do have a question regarding your secret." Sajin paused, getting a nod telling him to ask his question. "Why tell me? Why not keep your secret from me? Surly you should have known the risks." Sajin pointed out and Timothy sighed with a nod.
"I did. And your answer is because of my conversation with my zanpakutō." Timothy answered, taking a sip of tea.
"Go ahead." Sajin instructed.
"I'll keep it short and to the point sir. When I spoke with my zanpakutō, he said that my heart and soul were filled with…horrid emotions." Timothy started, causing Sajin to sigh in understanding.
"He said my heart was filled with anger, hatred, and despair. Despair for everyone I had lost, hatred for those who took them, and anger towards myself for feeling that I failed them." Timothy continued, getting a slow nod.
"The thing is sir…I need help. I need help in trying to get rid of these emotions. And the truth is sir…I feel you're the one I could turn to." Timothy finished.
Sajin leaned back and started stroking his chin in thought. He knew what the man was talking about because he could actually see these emotions on his face every day. He wanted to help the man, but he faced a difficult problem.
Timothy was a…difficult individual, one who had gone through many years of keeping these emotions locked inside. It would take a great amount of effort to try and get him to release those feelings.
Sajin was just about to answer him, but he had a couple of questions that he couldn't ask. So, came up with smart, and ironic, idea.
"Very well. I will help you. But, on one 'condition'." Sajin answered with a finger held up.
Timothy narrowed his gaze and sighed.
"And that is?" he asked.
"I have some questions about…Susan. You let me ask three questions, and you must answer them. Agreed?" Sajin asked, getting a surprised and worried look.
Timothy lowered his head in thought, but before he could say anything, Susan spoke up.
"I will answer them." she stated, and Timothy turned to her.
"Are you sure?" he asked in worry.
"Yes, he already knows about me, so what can it hurt?" she returned.
Timothy took a deep breath in defeat. Afterall, she did have a valid point. Timothy turned to the Captain and nodded.
"Very well. My first question is, how can you use your…abilities?" Sajin started, and Susan answered.
"The abilities are not actually Tim's, they are mine. However, while I am sealed, I can still use my abilities as well as Tim, but at a weakened state. If Tim wants to use them, I simply allow him." she answered, getting a nod.
"I see. For my next question, I am going to assume that using her abilities uses up her energy. So, my question is, how does she recover her energy? Is it the seal?" he asked, looking at the sword.
"Not the seal itself, no. The seal only locks her soul into the sword, but cannot recover her energy. Instead, I have placed another seal on the scabbard, one that is similar to medical kidō that recovers spirit energy. As long as the sword is in the scabbard, she will recover her energy. It also acts as a barrier to protect the blade's seal from being harmed in any way." Timothy answered, getting another nod.
"I understand. And my final question, if the abilities are Susan's, how are you able to use them Timothy? Can anyone use them if they are holding the blade?" Sajin asked, getting a head shake.
"Honestly sir, I really can't answer that one because we really don't know. The only thing I can give you is a theory." Timothy offered, and Sajin nodded.
"We believe that somehow, when Aizen…" Sajin twitched at hearing the man's name. "…did whatever it was to her, it somehow formed some kind of bond between us, allowing me to use her powers. It would also explain how when I came to the soul society, that she, or the sword she was sealed in, came with me. But again, it's only a theory, Captain." Timothy clarified.
Sajin took a breath and rubbed his head, feeling a headache coming. All three remained of them silent as Sajin pieced together what he was told and tried to understand it all.
"I understand. Very well, I will try to help you with releasing your emotions. Keep in mind that it may take some time. With everything that you two have been through, it won't be easy. Do you understand?" Sajin asked and got a nod in return. "Very good. Also, I would like to ask if you have put any thought into my officer for 5th seat?" Sajin inquired.
Timothy gave a deep sighed and closed his eyes.
"Captain, considering everything we just discussed, are you sure that's a wise idea?" Timothy asked to the ceiling.
Sajin nodded. "I am. Regardless of your…unique situation, I still see you as a worthy individual for the position. That has not changed with what you have told me." Sajin reassured, getting a nod.
"I understand sir. Well…considering what you are doing for us, and the risk you are putting yourself in for helping us, I guess it would be the least I could do. So…I guess I'll accept." Timothy reluctantly answered.
Sajin slightly smirked and nodded. He had to admit that he respected the man, and he was glad that he could call him a comrade.
"Very well. Timothy Durn, you are hereby appointed as the 5th seated officer of Squad 7." Sajin stated in an authoritative voice.
Timothy nodded, then bowed to him.
"Thank you, sir." he responded, then straightened.
Sajin returned the bow and Timothy was about to get up to leave, but Sajin held a hand up to stop him.
"One more thing." Sajin stated, causing Timothy to return to his seat. "Perhaps it would be possible to see Susan's 'released' abilities for myself. Perhaps in combat?" Sajin attempted, but Timothy simply rose a brow.
"Two problems with that sir. One, where would we go? Someone would likely be able to sense her power. So, keeping this hidden would be close to impossible. And two, and with respect sir, I doubt you would have any chance at all to face her. If I could just barely handle you, then I doubt you could handle her." Timothy pointed out, causing Sajin to raise a brow in surprise.
"I see. I am still willing to put that to the test. Also, I know of somewhere where we can go and not be disturbed. However, that is still up to you." Sajin pressed, causing Timothy to fret.
"I accept." Susan jumped in, causing both men to turn to the sword in surprise.
"Uh…are you sure?" Timothy asked in worry.
"Yes, I am. You always get to have all the fun, now I have a chance to have some as well." she answered in a somewhat happy tone, causing Sajin to turn to Timothy.
"What does she mean by that?" he asked, getting Timothy's attention.
"It means that I won't be the one fighting you, she will. And this is where I have to warn you Captain…" he paused, causing Sajin to raise a brow. "If you fight her, I strongly recommend that you go all out on her from the start. She's not like me, trying to discern your opponent, she will fight you all out, without holding back." Timothy warned.
Sajin looked back at the sword for a moment, then back to Timothy.
"I see. So, can I assume that while she is released, you cannot use her abilities?" Sajin asked, getting a headshake.
"No, I can still use them at will, but I won't be interfering. In truth, I don't want to do this, but she's insisting. So, she's your opponent, not me. I'll simply watch from the sidelines. So, when did you want to do this?" Timothy asked, but Susan again jumped in.
"Why don't we make this more interesting?" she offered.
"How so?" Timothy asked as both men turned to her.
"Get the Lieutenant in on this. That way, maybe next time he won't make fun of my abilities." Susan teased, getting a chuckle from Sajin.
"That is interesting. Very well, I will see if he would join us." Sajin paused, then turned to the door. "Tetsuzaemon." Sajin slightly hollered.
A brief moment later, the door opened as the Lieutenant walked in. He closed the door and returned to the seat he was in before.
"Yes sir." he answered, and Sajin turned to him.
"How would you feel about joining me in a fight against…Susan?" Sajin asked as he turned to her, causing Tetsuzaemon to turn and raise a brow.
"You plan to take on a Lieutenant 'and' a Captain?!" he asked in surprise.
"Yes. Timothy has already fought both of you, so now it's my turn to have some fun." she stated in an amused voice.
Timothy lowered and shook his head in disbelief.
"I cannot believe this is happening." he moaned as he started rubbing his temples. Timothy then turned back to Sajin. "Alright, I'll let her fight. But if I see that she is starting to struggle with holding her form, the fight stops right there and then. No exceptions Captain." Timothy pointed out flatly.
Sajin and Tetsuzaemon both nodded and Timothy sighed.
"So, when and where?" he asked.
Sajin turned to Tetsuzaemon, who nodded, then back to Timothy.
"Will one hour from now work for you?" Sajin offered.
"Sounds good to me." Susan answered, causing Timothy to sigh and Sajin to nod.
"Very well. Please return here in one hour. Besides that, I have nothing further, so you may leave." Sajin stated in a polite manner.
Timothy grabbed the sword and stood.
"Thank you for everything sir." he stated in a bow.
Sajin returned the bow, then Timothy turned and began walking towards the door. Once he had left the room and closed the door, Tetsuzaemon turned to the Captain.
"Are you sure about this sir? I mean, two on one?" Tetsuzaemon asked, getting a chuckle.
"To be honest, I don't think that it's her you need to be worried about, Tetsuzaemon." Sajin started, then turned to the Lieutenant. "I believe it is us that we should worry about." he admitted.
Tetsuzaemon raised a brow in confusion, then turned to the door.
"I don't know, sir." the Lieutenant slightly mumbled as he started to wonder about the fight.
So…now Sajin and Tetsuzaemon know about Timothy's little secret. Not only that, now the two officers have yet another fight coming up.
And for a moment there you all thought Zaraki's judgement day had come…nope. Not yet, mwa ha ha ha! But don't worry my friends, it's coming soon.
But now we've finally heard from Timothy's zanpakutō spirit, and it seems Timothy has quite a few personal problems he needs to take care of first.
Well…time for me to head off for now. Looking forward to seeing everyone here bright and early next Saturday. Laters.
